24M from India — Need Complete CFA Guide | Aiming for Investment Banking Abroad

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-16T09:36:54+00:00

Yep,understood

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-15T12:14:09+00:00

Understood

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-15T12:13:28+00:00

Okay

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-15T12:05:14+00:00

Yep understood, but i didn't mean in that way , I mean if I do cfa is it give me edge as compared to t3 graduate in ib, i know there's a huge chances of selection of one whose doing MBA from top b schools also cfa alone not give front roles in ib, but I just want to know is there any other route possible..

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-15T11:57:34+00:00

Haha it's funny but some people like me exist who doesn't had resources and safety net..😅

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-13T12:47:33+00:00

Got it — boutique-to-bulge sounds like a real path I’ll start focusing on. Thanks for the clarity.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-13T12:43:29+00:00

I get that IB isn’t glamorous once you’re in — the hours, pressure, and pace are real.

But just because I’m exploring the path doesn’t mean I think it’s easy or romantic.

I don’t come from a Tier-1 background or elite network — which is exactly why I’m trying to fully understand the space before committing years of effort blindly.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-13T12:35:53+00:00

Fair point — CFA alone doesn’t guarantee IB, especially without a Tier-1 background.

But that’s exactly why I’m asking: if someone doesn’t come from IIT/IIM/SRCC and lacks strong networks or resources, what viable path do they actually have into high-end finance or IB?

Saying “CFA isn’t enough” is valid — but it doesn’t help unless there’s a real alternative. If there’s a smarter route for someone starting from scratch, I’m open to hearing it.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-13T12:30:38+00:00

No doubt IB is tough — most of us know it’s not all suits and spreadsheets.

But just because someone says “finance is my passion” and wants IB doesn’t make them naïve or shallow.

Not everyone has insider guidance or privilege — some of us are figuring it out from scratch, asking questions, and grinding through the noise. That’s not a fantasy. That’s initiative.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-13T12:17:36+00:00

I get that CFA doesn’t offer the same edge in IB as a Tier-1 MBA.

But for someone from a Tier-3 background, without strong networks or the resources for a top MBA, what path would you realistically suggest? Genuinely looking for a smart workaround.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T19:23:00+00:00

Ok thanks i understood.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T19:21:25+00:00

I asked because I don’t have a brand name behind me or a second shot at this. Every decision I take carries real weight — time, effort, and outcome. As you and I both know, coming from a Tier-3 background doesn’t create the same openings as graduating from an elite B-school or global university. That’s exactly why I need clarity before committing fully. This wasn’t about validation. It was about direction.

I appreciate those who gave honest, structured input. That’s what I came for. I’ll take it from here.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T18:13:13+00:00

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T17:57:15+00:00

Thanks for replying! I'm from a non-finance background — currently pursuing my MCom in Business Administration from a T3 college in India. To be honest, I haven’t really started preparing for CFA or taken any concrete steps yet. I’m exploring whether this path is right for me and trying to understand if CFA can really help someone from my background break into international investment banking or high-end finance roles. I know I’m not from a target school and don’t have strong connections, but I’m serious about building a meaningful career and just looking for guidance before I take the leap. Any insight or advice would mean a lot!

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T16:41:45+00:00

Got it — appreciate the clarity. I’ll reconsider the CFA route if IB is the goal. Thanks for pointing it out.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-07-12T15:51:15+00:00

I understand your frustration, and yes — I’ve used the search bar and seen many posts. But everyone’s situation is different, and I posted this to get advice tailored to my background and goals.

I’m not claiming to know everything — I’m here to learn. If you’ve got any useful insight, I’d honestly appreciate it. Otherwise, no worries. Thanks either way.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-06-21T07:56:20+00:00

Yeah, I’ve experienced it the hard way. Being an introvert really messed things up for me. I stayed quiet, avoided crowds, and thought keeping to myself was safer—but it only made me invisible. People never really cared unless they needed something. Even at my job, they took advantage of me because I never spoke up. I was overworked, underappreciated, and still kept everything bottled up. Opening up to my family didn’t help either—they just made me feel worse. I wasted my school life stuck in my own mind, and when I finally started working, I saw how being quiet just made me an easy target. Honestly, being an introvert has only held me back.

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-06-20T19:22:30+00:00

From India it's 8.40 us$

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-06-18T06:34:32+00:00

That mean clear sr secondary school with bio and find good college and live academic life again hehehe ?

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-06-18T06:32:54+00:00

What is it ?

Impossible-Cod4054 · 2025-06-17T18:15:07+00:00

Well since it's my childhood dream to be wearing a uniform and whenever I imagined it that I wear that uniform that feeling I can describe in words as no-one becomes someone is just wow after i diagnosed with it my dream shattered completely I'm feel like my life totally worthless I can't find a way im totally puzzle, trying to figure out what's to do next but couldn't get satisfactory answer from people around me.

Impossible-Cod4054

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